Ada Lovelace understood the potential of computers before they were even built. She wrote instructions for a machine which we would now call a ‘computer program’.
Introduce your KS1-age students to this pioneering woman bbc.in/47JhFUM
ALT A cartoon woman in a purple dress is writing notes on a clip board. Next to her is an easel with a diagram of cogs on it. Large white text on a pale green background reads: Ada Lovelace
What's up for grabs for the six BBC 500 Words winners? Head to the website to find out!
Competition closes 9pm Friday 6 November 2026. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to bbc.co.uk/500words
ALT BBC 500 Words - THE PRIZES - Winners stories read by celebs on the BBC!
3...2...1... Lift off! World Space Week (4-10 October) is here. Discover our out-of-this-world space-themed resources to spark curiosity across primary and secondary 🚀 bbc.in/3Vf9zR7
World Mental Health Day is 10 October every year.
Four young people share their honest opinions on looking after your mental health, recognising when you’re struggling and what support they appreciate.
Watch their stories in this new assembly film 💜 bbc.in/4yLeSWM
ALT How would you like someone to support you, if you were struggling with your mental health?
ALT What would you say to a friend if they were feeling sad or anxious?
ALT What activities have a positive impact on your mental health?
ALT What would you do for the long-term challenges?
BBC 500 Words is now OPEN for entries.
Find out how to enter and more about prizes at bbc.co.uk/500words
Competition closes 9pm Friday 6 November 2026. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to the 500 Words homepage.
Did you catch our brilliant 500 Words Live Lesson this week to help your students unlock a unique story idea?
The 30-minute lesson is available to watch any time on BBC Bitesize for Teachers and BBC iPlayer. Head to the website for all the details. bbc.in/4dPCCkv
Use our collection of teaching resources to explore black history, heritage, culture and achievements with your class.
You’ll find content suitable for primary and secondary school pupils, teacher notes and links to content from across the BBC. bbc.in/47q6SPf
What is a good mistake? How can your mindset affect your approach to challenges? How can you develop a growth mindset?
Three brilliant questions to unlock a growth mindset in your KS2-age pupils 💪 bbc.in/4hq6HrK
ALT Four cubism-style cartoon characters in school uniform, under the title 'Challenge yourself - growth mindset'
BBC 500 Words is open for entries! Do you know a brilliant young writer aged 5-11? Competition closes 9pm Friday 6 November 2026. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to the 500 Words homepage: bbc.in/4jma1XC
ALT BBC 500 Words: The competition is now open! Start submitting!
Everyone has a story to tell. In our first BBC Live Lesson of the school year, we want to inspire as many pupils as possible to tell theirs for 500 Words.
Join us at 11.00 on Wed 30 September, online at BBC Bitesize for Teachers, on CBBC or BBC iPlayer. bbc.in/4z9N92r
ALT Sir Lenny Henry and Naomi Wilkinson are smiling. On a purple background, white text reads: 500 Words 2026 Live Lesson, 11:00, Wednesday 30 September.
Poetry is relatable, enjoyable, and within every child's reach. It can open up new ways of expressing your emotions and thoughts.
Understand poetry with Joseph Coelho in this brilliant primary English series ✍️ bbc.in/46FTd6A
ALT Joseph Coelho stands in front of a block of flats wearing a warm coat and gloves. He is holding a notebook. Out of the notebook rises an illustrated wintery scene of high-rise flats and bare trees.
A series of English and Welsh films for Primary teachers. These animations feature stories about children facing difficult times in their lives, looking at the decisions they make that affect their health and well-being: bbc.in/4xHKJat
BBC Live Lessons for students aged 7-11 are back!
We’re kicking off with a 500 Words Live Lesson hosted by Sir Lenny Henry and Naomi Wilkinson on Wednesday 30 September.
Click here for all the details and don’t miss it! bbc.in/3TaJp0Y
This exploration of the River Nile and its vital role in the success of Ancient Egypt, begins with a shaduf - an ancient irrigation tool.
Part of the collection to support teaching around World Rivers Day on 27 September: bbc.in/4qUs9tf
ALT An animated scene of the bank of the Nile river - a pale blue sky, golden sands, and deep blue waters. There are Ancient Egyptian boats in the foreground, pyramids in the background, and large white text reads: The River Nile.
26 September is European Day of Languages. What benefits have you experienced from learning new languages?
Young people have found cultural exchange to be transformative. This new assembly video explores facts, figures and real stories: bbc.in/4yl9NUY
ALT European Day of Languages, Secondary assembly, 26 September. A photo of Jude Bellingham, who features in the learning resource, includes the quote: "It gives us more awareness".
Do you know your key topics and terminology for National Coding Week? This cracking primary computing guide will help: bbc.in/4ihpx6D
ALT A montage of resources available including 'Algorithm, creating with computing, database, debugging, decomposition, logical reasoning, output and repetition'. The title reads: Cracking computing.